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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Misery Master

Doorknob chattered happily (or perhaps nervously) as he led
us through the rows of screaming people.

“The Department of Construction recently expanded this
sector by twenty-five percent,” he informed us.
“It used to be that not much changed here because it had been at maximum
capacity for so long. The last few weeks
have been really exciting as we’ve been filling newly opened slots for
torturing. We just reached maximum
capacity again a few days ago.”

A group of pit guards who seemed to be sending a man back to
the cable car stepped aside in the aisle to let us pass. Based on the man’s appearance, I guessed that
his torture had something to do with severe razor burn. He scratched absentmindedly at his raw neck
and winced.

“I used to be the assistant Misery Master of this sector,”
Doorknob explained excitedly. “But just
as the renovations were being finished, Kivra promoted my boss into her
cabinet. She made me the master in his
stead.”

Gus and I stared in bewilderment at a woman who was being
pinned down by four pit guards while a fifth rubbed a dead fish all over
her. “That is some kinky shit,” Gus
whispered. Torvin shuddered as he walked
past. Jaelin, the least affected of us,
patted his shoulder reassuringly.

“As far as I know, I’m the youngest Misery Master in the
whole Department,” Doorknob continued proudly.
“I’m only fourteen, you know. And
considering that I assumed my position during a time of transition, I’m hoping
my performance will catch Kivra’s eye. I
hope to rise to be her second in command someday.”

“Sounds like you have it all planned out,” I murmured, not
really listening. It was truly
astonishing how bizarre some of these methods of torture were.

“Although I wouldn’t mind some help, sir,” the demon added
in a confidential tone. “A
recommendation from the Devil himself would go a long way.”

I smiled wryly at him.
“I doubt Kivra places much value on my opinion,” I said. “I think you’re better off without a
recommendation from me.”